Between the memories, Congalton horrifies us with the story of a tragic fire and animals less able to rescue themselves than even a small child. We feel the pain of their loss because Congalton so beautifully describes their meaning in life.

We come to know these animals not just in a generic sense but in personal depth and detail. We learn the origin of the names Topper and Triptych. We experience the adoption of Trio and Tess and see the value of animals rescued from a certain destruction. Although their end is ultimately tragic, we cannot help but feel that these animals experienced a life they never could have known in the pound because the author cared about them.

While Congalton points to their significance, he avoids the common pitfall of anthropomorhism and is careful to point out that love for an animal, no matter how great, does not equate to love of a child. At the same time, Congalton shows why pets are not just "animals."

Congalton dignifies his pets because he affords them appropriate respect. Congalton's chapter desribing the funeral for his pets is full of vivid images, humor and poignancy. Congalton desribes how both the life and death of the pets affected his relationship with his wife and his view of the world. If you read nothing else, this chapter is worth the price of the book.


Read This Book!   June 3, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This amazing book takes us from a moment of utter devastation, on a journey through pain, suffering, and grief that few of us will know first hand. We learn the history of each of the five animals who died, so that we come to know and love them and are able to grieve the loss ourselves. The story winds its way through the mopping up after catastrophe, the incomprehension of people who have no clue about the depth of love that's possible between humans and animals, the tender words received from those who do understand, and the rebuilding of home and family as new animal companions arrive. This book is not an easy read, because it rams up against -- and shatters -- the walls we build inside to protect ourselves from our deepest feelings, those feelings that many of us would rather suppress or ignore. This story ventures through areas of the soul that few dare to inspect closely, yet the author's courage and love shine through every page to guide us. Keep a box of tissues handy when you read this book, but do read it, because it is truly a powerful and joyous celebration of the human-animal bond at its best.


A New Genre of Petloss Book   May 28, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

"Three Cats, Two Dogs" by David Congalton is an important contribution to a new genre of books on pet loss. The author has stepped forth with a deeply moving account of life and death, in his family of many beloved pets. Although most of us do not have multiple companion animals, this book offers us a new awareness and perception. Until now, it has been too easy to pass off anyone with many pets as some sort of benign eccentric. Indeed, there are many pet lovers who do not appreciate what this is really like.

David Congalton came home one evening, to find his house in flames, and his five beloved pets dead from smoke inhalation. Most of us know the grief than a single such loss can create, but this was an experience in multiple horror and bereavement, which we can only imagine.

These pages honor a loving home life with these pets. Each one was a distinct member of the Congalton family, and through the author's skill we are able to begin to understand what this must have been like for him. When understanding is added to empathy, we have a breakthrough in appreciation.

There are many new books coming out on pet loss and bereavement, but this one is different. The author's experience and poignant presentation is reminiscent of the fabled Phoenix, rising from its own ashes. We discover how the tragedy expressed here is overwhelming, but endurable. And through this we also can learn so much about ourselves. The monumental message given is that we all can survive terrible loss, without allowing ourselves to be destroyed.

After finishing these pages each reader will be left with a keener love and appreciation for all his/her pets - past, present and future. And because of them, we can become better people, as well.

We recommend this book, and are confident that this will be a positive reading experience, as well as an appreciated addition to any pet lover's library.


One of The Very Best   May 18, 2000
One of the most poignant, heartfelt, gut-wrenching, honest and powerful books on the subject of pet loss I've ever read. As one who has written about this subject myself, and as a hospice bereavement counselor who volunteers my time in helping bereaved animal lovers, believe me, I have read them all.


Three Cats, Two Dogs, One Wet Pillow   May 16, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a love story.

Too often we skirt around the edges of grief...especially when we feel belittled by a society that doesn't allow for the depth of sadness one feels upon losing an animal companion. Sensing this from his family and many of his acquaintances, the author did his best to stifle the weight of his loss(es) and "act normal." Fortunately, for him and for us, what comes naturally, what is normal, is to pour one's heart out onto the page. A page doesn't judge your feelings. A page absorbs the the grief, the anger, the frustration. It just listens.

I encourage you to listen to the pages in Three Cats, Two Dogs. If you are quiet, you will hear the purring, you will see the talking dog-eyes, you will smell the smoke, you will taste the tears shared by this couple when only they could understand how it was to lose five of their best friends, and you feel the not only the weight of that loss, but the celebration of each animal's life as well as the joy in gradually re-opening their scarred hearts to animals in need.

I read this book in two parts, and I'm glad I did. It gave me the chance to absorb the feelings of loss, confusion, fear, emptiness and sudden change. It reminded me of how precious each moment is. In the second half, I found myself rejoicing in the healing and the eventual footfalls of new paws, new friends, and a renewed spirit of animal advocacy.

An inspirational, honest, and boundless telling of a story certain to touch you for a long time.